Ariel Sharon, the former Israeli prime minister who has been in a coma for seven years, shows significant signs of brain activity, doctors say.

Argentina says it has reached a "historic deal" with Iran to establish a "truth commission" into the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish centre.

The United Arab Emirates orders 94 people to be tried on charges of trying to seize power, accusing them of links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Hundreds of homes are inundated and and several people reported missing as flood waters rise in the Australian state of Queensland.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank approve fresh loans for Burma to aid the social and economic development of the country.

US President Barack Obama pays tribute to Hillary Clinton in a joint interview, as both dodge speculation about a presidential bid for Mrs Clinton in 2016.

Brazil declares three days of national mourning for 231 people killed in a nightclub fire, reportedly started after a musician lit a flare on stage.

Japanese carmaker Toyota regains its slot as the world's biggest vehicle maker, capping a year of a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes.